When choosing travel binoculars there’s a trade off between power and portability. With the Maven B.3 it meets a Goldilocks spot between both. The B.3 compact size and optical performance covers a wide variety of users from hunters to sports fans, to birders, naturalists, and travelers. Most of all it appeals to those who strive for efficiency and minimalism.
The B.3 comes in 6x, 8x, and 10x models, all with 30mm objective lenses and the same body. The differences in magnification also provide differences in field of view and depth of field, inverse to its magnification power. I chose the 8x to as the best balance of both. On Maven’s website, you have the ability to custom design and order your optics; selecting the color of components, including adding commercial camouflage patterns.
The B.3 also features ED glass for clarity and color balance. It has a generous depth of field, a wide field of view, and a silky focus mechanism. Like all of Maven’s optics, it is also the most stylish and aesthetically designed sports optics on the market.
Maven sent me the target model of their excellent B.5 18×56 binoculars. This version has a MIL target range finding reticle (they also make an MOA version) in the left tube of the binos. These are a feature that make them useful for target range estimation and shot correction in long range shooting sports.
While it only offers 18x magnification, binoculars offer stereoscopic depth perception unlike single tube scopes; this allows you to easily determine the relative distances of objects to each other and that of ground splashes to the target. Its size and compact form make it easy to pack and transport compared to a 80mm spotting scope (which can’t easily be use handheld like binoculars).
The B.5 features bright and clear Fluorite glass for crisp details. This is a step up in price and quality than standard ED glass which has some fluorite in it but “Fluorite ED” is even sharper and more expensive. Looking through the B.5 there is little chromatic aberration from edge to edge.
Looking at my reference targets at 100yrds I was able to see far clearer than in my phone camera test footage. Something about the eye and the brain when looking through binoculars allows you to see in greater zoomed detail. I was easily able to see the .22cal holes on paper even at 100yrds.
The B.5 has dark grey silicone rubber armored body tubes and striking metallic orange accents on its reticle leveling ring and washer sections. These colored accents and the body can be customized when ordering a build-your-own model of your optic on the Maven website. No other optics company offers such a wide range of custom style options on their products.
The B.5’s does not come cheap. This and all of Maven’s optics come in at a premium price tier. But its optical performance and customizable style make it look like a winner.
Night vision goggles (NVGs) used by military combat units cost thousands of dollars. But with “Digital Night Vision” goggles have made night vision affordable for civilians; in the hundreds of dollars (and sometimes under a hundred). GTMedia sent me their newest N4 model test and it is a good example of this type of NVG.
All digital cameras are sensitive to inferred (IR) wavelengths of light outside our eye’s visual spectrum. Digital NVGs are essentially portable digital video cameras and displays. These Digital NVGs are essentially Gen 1 night vision, only able to see images with the help of active IR illumination (an inferred flashlight).
The N4 is a compact and lightweight Digital NVG unit that has the form factor of a binocular but is in reality a single lens digital camera with individual eyepieces that look at the same display. The second objective lens is actually the IR flashlight which illuminates your subjects in beam that can extend out to over 100yrds. The N4 has a built in rechargeable battery and can take both video and 10MP photos while it is being used as an NVG.
The unit is made of lightweight plastic that has a 1/4″ photo socket so it can be used on a tripod or attached with a GoPro compatible bracket to a head strap and worn over your eyes, handsfree. The unit has a focus controls for the eyepieces to see the internal low-res LCD display and for the digital camera. My unit had a slight defect in the camera focus which limited the distance of sharp focus to 20ft-60ft. GTMedia sent me a replacement unit after I sent them videos of the problem which was mechanical in nature.
In testing I was able to see a man sized figure at a distance of 100yrds but because of the IR illumination, the image was mono-chromatic. The unit is able to see in full color but it’s camera is night very high fidelity and the video footage I was able to get was lackluster; about the same as low-quality security camera footage. The footage I did manage to get felt more like an analog horror game.
The 1x through the unit is more like 5x and is disorienting and makes to walking while wearing it in the dark, awkward and potentially dangerous on rough terrain. The light weight shell makes it easier to wear and travel with but feels fare too fragile to drop. It could do with some silicone armor and a stronger GoPro bracket connection or an adapter for NVG J-arm.
The unit did work and could allow me to identify animals or intruders at night but it is not a combat optic. Because Gen 1 NVGs require in IR light source, these can be easily seen at a great distance by Gen 2 or Gen 3 NVGs and identified. In a SHTF situation, the N4 is outclassed but it is better than not having night vision. There is an old saying, “In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is the king.”
Maven sent me their new B.6 binoculars which comes in 10×25 and 12×50 sizes. These feature ED glass which reduces chromatic aberration to provide clearer, sharper images. These 10x field binoculars are small enough to pack in a range bag or luggage for a trip, while offering brighter images and a wider field of view than pocked sized 10x binos.
Despite only being 10x these optics surprised me when I was clearly able to see a pair of .22cal holes on my paper target at 100yrds. Typically these would be faint or hard to see with a 12x rifle scope. While not easily seen in my video footage, they were as clear as day with my naked eye.
The B.5 has dark grey silicone rubber armored body tubes and striking metallic orange accents on its reticle leveling ring and washer sections. These colored accents and the body can be customized when ordering a build-your-own model of your optic on the Maven website. No other optics company offers such a wide range of custom style options on their products.
The B.6 do not come cheap. This and all of Maven’s optics come in at a premium price tier between Zeiss and Leupold. Is it worth it? It certainly looks like a million bucks both outside and looking through it.
At SHOT Show I was given a sneak peek at Leupold’s newly redesigned BX4 Pro HD Gen2. The BX4 line is Leupold’s most popular line of binoculars offering world class optical performance. The Gen 2 model features a split bridge design which allows the user to completely wrap your hand around the tube for a firmer, natural hold.
In testing, the optic lived up to its reputation for clarity, color rendition, and brightness. In bright morning light, the image through the scope was almost too bright, blowing out some details in my camera. In dusk or low light this optic should prove to be a strong performer.
If it’s optical performance weren’t enough reason to be satisfied with these binoculars, Leupold didn’t skimp on the accessories. They include two additional rubber eyecups, including a spare set of rear lens covers designed to fit the larger wrap-round eyecups. In addition, the padded case is stylish and well designed.
At this year’s SHOT Show I spoke with one of Element’s owner’s, Shane Keller. This Utah based company with design offices in Sweeden and South Africa. While a relatively new company in sporting optics, this company was founded by professional shooters and optics designers with decades of experience. Their Nexus and Helix scopes quickly gained a following among competition PRS shooters for their quality design, features, and optics which rivaled established premium brands.
At this year’s booth they showcased their new Tier 1 PRS scope, the Theos. This scope effers not just superb optical performance but innovative and practical features such as tool-less turret and zero-stop reset, and a pop-out turret rotation indicator. Their Theos, Helix, and Nexus, feature a stylish gunmetal grey finish and are built in Japan.
In addition to their new rifle scopes, they also offer a 10x binocular and I was surprised to also find out they offered a variety of range finding accessories. Their handheld laser rangefinder that connects via Bluetooth to their ballistic App. What really intrigued me was an unusual small laser rangefinder unit that is designed to piggyback on your existing scope. About the size of a AA EDC light, this unit has an LCD ballistic display on its tail to offer the shooter immediate data to take their shot.
I hope to get my hands on Elements products soon to test them out and learn for myself what all the buzz is about.
One of the new products that Athlon had at their SHOT Show booth this year was their new generation of Pro UHD binoculars. They had upgraded the body design and features of the 8x, 10x, and 12x hunting binoculars and I was excited when they offered to send me a pair to test out.
I got the 12×50 Midas G2 Pro UHDs with the new TBR reticle. The PRO model has an etched MIL reticle in a rotating bezel in the right tube. It provides a clean and unobtrusive reticle, ideal for long range shooting corrections and ranging. The Gen 2 update features black rubberized armor over a light-weight magnesium body and most importantly, with ED glass.
ED glass reduces chromatic aberration. In field testing, I could not see any purple fringe even when looking at wires or flag poles at the outer edge of the optics field of view. The image overall was bright, balanced, sharp and clear. They produced some of the clearest images I’ve tested from a 12x binocular under $500.
Athlon has revamped their Midas binoculars and Cronus spotting scope. These are Athlon Optics top tier field scope models. Their binoculars have been updated with a bevy of ergonomic and usability enhancements including a redesigned diopter for better functionality.
Their flagship optic, the Cronus spotting scope now features a tandem fast and fine focus dials instead of the single barrel focus ring. I tested a Cronus tactical spotting scope earlier this year and it was a super clean and bright. This high magnification model promises to be every bit as sharp.
Midas binoculars are available on Amazon through this affiliate link: https://amzn.to/49zuSyC
Cronus G2 spotter is available on Amazon through this affiliate link: https://amzn.to/48t5mtI
Leupold has updated their entire BX4 line. These scopes still offer the exceptional optics we’ve come to expect from Leupold. The Gen 2 offers a lighter optic, enhanced non-slip skin, and eyecups.
Cronus is Arthlon Optics top tier product line and as such, command top-tier pricing. Their new Cronus 10×50 laser range finder binoculars have a street price around $1000. At that price range, I wouldn’t normally have reason to come across one but thankfully Athlon sent me a pair to test and evaluate.
These binoculars feature ED UHD glass which reduce or eliminate chromatic aberration and deliver bright, sharp, detailed images at 10x. I own a 25x Celestron Skymasters which I was thought was a pretty darn good pair of binoculars. But when compared to the image quality to the Cronus…it’s like being impressed with the image of a 720p 50″ flatscreen TV and then seeing a 80″ 4K TV; it will ruin you for anything less.
The image is bright, detailed, and sharp. At 50y I was able to make it resolution lines down to Element 4 in Group -1. on the USAF 1951 optical resolution chart. Its field of view is 338ft @ 1000y, which is average to middling in high end binoculars. For comparison, my Skymaster only has a field of view of 141ft.
The Cronus has a greenish plastic/rubberized, knurled body for added grip in cold or wet conditions. It features retained front lens caps with the Athlon logo and integrated telescoping eye-cups. The buttery smooth, focus knob is oversized to provide finer adjustments.
Its internal laser rang finder is powered by a CR2 battery housed in the pivot point between the scope tubes. Unfortunately the battery cap is located where I would normally expect to find the tripod adapter threads. Alas, if you want to attach this 2.3lb optic to a stable tripod, you’ll have to use a strap or clamp style mount.
The laser range finder is controlled by two buttons molded onto the top of the each half of the binocular. The digital display is visible through the right binocular eyepiece and appears similar to golf range finders with angle detection and even includes a golf flag mode! But both ocular lenses must be uncapped in order for the laser to beam and detect targets.
Athlon states that the Cronus has a maximum detection range of 2000y on a reflective object and 800y on deer. These numbers are under controlled and ideal testing conditions. In my “real world” testing on a city hillside, the maximum distance I was able to bounce off was a window on a house 1414y away. On a non-reflective rock, I was able to range out to 680y. While short of its maximum, these numbers are sill impressive for everyday use.
While the Crono’s performance is impressive, the reality of its price is still daunting. The typical hunter or even long range shooter would be able to get away with a cheap 1000y golf laser range finder and a 60mm spotting scope and be able to accomplish the same goals. But for those the means and budget to purchase a Cronus, the simpler one piece solution is worth the price.
Magnification:10 x Objective Lens: 50 mm Eye Relief: 19.3 mm Field of View: 338 ft @ 1000 y Weight: 38oz Length: 7 in Close Focus: 6.6 ft Exit Pupil: 5 mm Water Proof: IPX-7 Glass: UHD, ED Coating: Fully Multi-Coated Range Finder: Laser Max Range: 2000 y Range Deer: 800 y Warranty: Lifetime
